Job Description

Senior Environmental Consultant

Barr is seeking a senior environmental consultant to join our team in Minneapolis or Duluth, Minnesota. The person in this position will support management of state and federal environmental review, permitting, and compliance projects focused on the Midwest as well as across the United States. This role involves working with clients to site, scope, and manage projects; develop environmental strategies; provide technical support; and build and maintain client relationships. The position regularly collaborates with clients; communicates with external stakeholders (including agencies and members of the public); and is responsible for keeping large, complex projects on schedule and within budget. Work also includes leading and managing multidisciplinary project teams to prepare environmental review documents and permit applications, managing environmental surveys and assessments, and supporting agency coordination and public involvement. At times, work will also involve oversight of subconsultants.

A successful person in this role will have exceptional interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills and a demonstrated ability to lead project teams and client engagements. They possess strong organizational and strategic thinking skills and can effectively balance multiple priorities while keeping complex projects moving forward. They are skilled at coordinating and mentoring team members, delegating responsibilities, and fostering collaboration across disciplines. They exercise independent judgment, anticipate project needs, and identify opportunities and risks early to support successful project delivery. They are also willing to occasionally modify their schedule to meet project deadlines and client needs.

Your impact – key responsibilities

• Regulatory knowledge: lead regulatory strategy, agency engagement, and client communications for complex projects; guide multidisciplinary teams through environmental review and permitting processes; mentor staff in the application of environmental regulations; and exercise sound judgment regarding permit applicability, compliance obligations, and regulatory risk.
• Permitting and compliance: assist clients with permitting, environmental regulatory compliance, and related technical assignments.

• Environmental review and permitting: lead the planning, development, and delivery of environmental review and permitting documents, including NEPA- and state-equivalent environmental review documents. Direct multidisciplinary teams in compiling and evaluating technical information; establishing document strategy and scope; integrating technical analyses; and ensuring documents are technically sound, defensible, and responsive to regulatory requirements and client objectives.

• Project and task management: lead project teams through all phases of project delivery, including scoping, planning, execution, and closeout. Coordinate internal staff, subcontractors, clients, and regulatory agencies to achieve project objectives while managing risks and resolving challenges. Oversee project quality, schedule, and budget performance; provide regular client updates; and support staff development through mentoring, technical guidance, and constructive review.
• Client management: build, sustain, and grow relationships with new and existing clients through successful project execution and consultative engagement.
• Team leadership: lead and manage highly collaborative project teams and develop internal team members.

About the opportunity

• Hybrid: A hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of Barr's Minneapolis or Duluth, Minnesota offices.

About you – required core competencies

• Education: bachelor's degree in environmental science/studies/policy, ecology, natural resources management, biology, botany, or a related natural resources field.
• Experience: 10 or more years of relevant experience related to the job responsibilities described above.
• Knowledge of and experience with NEPA and state-equivalent regulations and processes, particularly for Minnesota and the Midwest.
• Experience working with federal and state regulatory agency staff, resource managers, and other government officials.
• Driver's license: must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required)

• Experience managing environmental review and permitting projects at state (where applicable) and/or federal level. This includes but is not limited to NEPA and Minnesota's MEPA processes (EAWs, EAs, AUARs, and EISs) and siting/routing processes outlined in the Energy Infrastructure Permitting Act (MN Statute 216I).
• Experience and/or familiarity with the following regulatory programs and permitting requirements: wetland permitting (USACE 404), threatened and endangered species (Section 7 compliance), and cultural resources (Section 106 compliance).
• Developed relationships with federal and Midwest states' regulatory agency staff, resource managers, and other government officials.
• Experience working as a third-party contractor on NEPA projects.

Compensation: anticipated salary range of $100,000—$125,000. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as Exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Benefits - what we offer

We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.

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